Rockfall Prevention Net with Variable Anchor Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rockfall prevention methods fail to effectively stabilize slopes with unevenly distributed rock masses and cannot capture earth and sand displaced during rockfalls, leading to potential damage and safety concerns, particularly on roads below.
Innovation Solution
A rockfall prevention method involving a net assembly with rope members in intersectional directions and a wire net, anchored at varying intervals based on slope and geological data, supplemented by secondary nets and vegetation mats, to stabilize the slope surface and prevent rock mass movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anchors are fixed at nearly equal intervals as conventionally done, then the slope surface can be stabilized, but it is not economical due to uneven distribution of rock masses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the anchor spacing according to the local rockfall risk and rock mass distribution. Anchors are placed at shorter intervals in areas with high rockfall potential and at longer intervals in stable areas, optimizing both protection effectiveness and cost efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by making the anchor spacing flexible rather than fixed. The spacing is determined based on slope geometry, rock mass characteristics, and identified rockfall sources, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions along the slope.
2Reliability
If a net assembly is used to trap fallen rock masses, then rockfall can be prevented, but earth and sand released during rockfall cannot be captured and may fall onto roads below
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure with an inner net assembly for capturing rock masses and an outer net assembly for containing displaced earth and sand. The inner net is positioned within the outer net, creating a multi-layer containment system that addresses both rockfall and material displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The net assembly is segmented into functional zones: an inner net for rock capture and an outer net for debris containment. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function effectively, with the inner net handling rock masses and the outer net managing lighter debris.
3Strength
If a net assembly with buffering tool is used to trap rock masses, then the net assembly is protected from damage, but it cannot capture earth and sand released during rockfall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a nested configuration where the inner net assembly with buffering capability is placed within an outer net assembly. The inner net protects against rock impact while the outer net captures the earth and sand that are displaced during rockfall events.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide rock fall prevention structure and rock fall prevention method capable of preventing the collapse of surface layer and preventing the falling of identified rock masses. Slope (1) is covered with a net assembly (2) constructed of rope materials (3) and (4) combined in intersectional directions and a wire net connected thereto. The rope materials (3) and (4) of the net assembly (2) are anchored into slope (1) using anchors (6). The anchors (6) are inserted into slope (1) to stabilize a surface layer of the slope (1), giving the anchors (6) and the net assembly (2) a strength able to suppress the movement of identified rock masses (22) at slope (1). Using the anchors (6) will be able to prevent the surface layer of slope (1) from collapsing and at the same time, using the anchors (6) and the net assembly (2) will be able to suppress the movement and falling of the identified rock masses (22) at slope (1).